Hostesses Merle Cross, Marynell Henry and Mary Ann Patterson greeted members of the Twentieth Century Club as they entered Barron's Cafe in Longview for the club's annual spring luncheon.

Tables were gaily decorated with napkins tied with bright pink ribbon bows and European garden centerpieces complimented by matching pink sparkle tulle. A ceramic tile on an easel displaying an inspirational verse was placed at each member's seat, a gift from the hostesses. Following welcoming remarks and the invocation by Mrs. Cross, guests were served a pre-selected meal featuring a choice of Trilogy Salad, Cafe Pasta or Hot and Crunchy Chicken. Dessert was a luscious frozen tiramisu.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, members traveled to the home of Ron Wade for the day's program. Mr. Wade's home is filled with a wide variety of political memorabilia and includes a replica of the presidential oval office, featured in a number of news articles and television shows. He began his collection as a child growing up in Gilmer with political buttons picked up at the Yamboree building during the Goldwater-Nixon election campaign. From that time, his fascination with politics has developed into a lifetime of collecting. He has personally known seven Presidents and has been friends with George W. Bush for many years. A number of pieces were purchased from Jackie Kennedy's collection including a chair from her bedroom and JFK's rocking chair. When an opportunity arose to purchase an exact replica of the Resolution desk used in the oval office he realized that his collection was surpassing the space in his home and the idea of recreating the oval office became a necessity. Today, the beautiful addition features not only the desk but a number of oil paintings, other pieces of furniture from the White House, a handmade rug that duplicates that in the "real" office, and even a red phone once used by presidents. The final showcase for the day was his room filled with political campaign buttons, bumper stickers, and other election memorabilia. Twentieth Century members thoroughly enjoyed their visit as have groups of tourists from around the world.